What conversation do you hope this film starts between strangers?  

Olli was inspired by stories I heard about burglars targeting senior citizens in the southern Dutch province of Limburg. What struck me most, partly because I also work as a film teacher at high schools in that same region, was that the perpetrators often turned out to be local youngsters. There were moments when I would read or hear about these incidents, and then find myself standing in front of a classroom a few days later, looking at those teenagers and wondering whether any of them had gotten themselves into something far bigger than they could handle, without anyone else knowing. I think that feeling stayed with me throughout the entire process and often informed my choices. So hopefully this film urges people to look beyond the surface, to perceive unheard or invisible cries for help.

 

What’s one thing you learned while making this film?

There were a few things, but to highlight one of them: this was the first time I was able to do an extensive casting process. We were only able to do this for the younger roles, but I felt it was essential, because I wanted to stay open to young, inexperienced local actors. I’m very glad we had that opportunity, and I think it really shows in the final result. But casting director Kiki van Aubel definitely laid the groundwork for that during the casting process.

 

Has an audience reaction ever changed how you interpret your own films?

For this specific film, I was surprised by how often audiences referred to certain moments as “darkly comedic,” even though I never really saw them that way. Although I think I can understand why. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, and I’ve been reassured that it isn’t in this case. But hearing audiences laugh during the first screenings at moments I didn’t expect — even if it was mostly a reaction of disbelief or shock — felt strange to me at first. Now, though, I’m able to enjoy it. 

 

Was there a moment when you thought the film might fall apart — and how did you pull through?

The film was rejected for funding at one point. In hindsight, that particular committee did so because they felt that, with some additional work on the script and the overall plan, we could actually apply for a higher budget than the one we initially requested. So in a way, it was because they saw a lot of potential. But that’s not how it felt to us at the time. And since I’d seen projects slowly bleed out after rejections like this, I remained quite stoic about it and focused on polishing the script for a new submission, without really believing we would still get it financed. And then suddenly we did, and of course that gives you the energy to give it your all. Even though, naturally, different challenges keep coming your way. It never ends, haha.

 

If you could spotlight one unsung hero from your team, who would it be and why?

I’m very grateful for all the work producer Sem Wigman put into this. It was a tough production. I mentioned casting director Kiki van Aubel earlier, and I was also really impressed by how lead actor Mauro Suijkerbuijk, who had no prior film experience and had just turned 18 when he was cast, was able to carry the film. But honestly, I could name pretty much every cast- or crew member. Film making is a collective effort, especially for shorts like this.

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